about 5,000 planes in the air at a given time and fewer eyes in the tower, the faa is slowing air traffic for safety. planes could both be prevented from landing and taking off. those inevitable delays could cost travelers more than just their time. >> airlines may have to cut flights. that will drive up ticket prices. demand will be high. >> reporter: the only antidote? said senator chuck schumer. >> we need democrats and republicans to meet in the middle and end the sequestration that causes the problems. >> reporter: analysts said there's not much to protect yourself. but try to carry one of these. check your flight status often. >> thank you, matt. >>> meanwhile, extreme flooding ree deaths.est is blamed for the wate hh the sippi, more thn barges broke loose from their moorings near st. louis. the coast guard had to close the river near vicksburg. sam will have the forecast in a moment. >>> the investigators in the town of west, texas, are getting back to work today, trying to figure out what caused the fire before the massive explosion at a fertilizer plant. 12 of the 14 people kille